Seaside Knitting Patterns

New Patterns for Cloche and Mittens

2011-12-15T21:30:00.006-05:00

Just out in December are two new knitting patterns from Seaside Knitting for the Tulip Cloche and Tulip Mittens. The cloche comes in two sizes - child and adult - and the mittens are one size fits most.

With a pretty, scalloped edging, both the cloche and mittens will add a feminine touch to any ensemble.

The cloche and mittens pictured were knit with KnitPicks Wool of the Andes yarn for a cost of under $15. The patterns are for sale through www.seasideknittingpatterns.com and Ravelry.com.

2011 Holly Fair in Harvard Square Dec 10-11th

2011-11-10T20:54:00.003-05:00

I'll be selling my original designs at this year's Holly Fair in Harvard Square on December 10-11th. The Holly Fair is Cambridge's oldest crafts fair and is run by the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.

I'll be in the Studio at 56 Brattle Street next to the High Rise bakery on Saturday the 10th from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm, and again on Sunday the 11th from 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm.

Come by and say hello!

Click here for more information about the Holly Fair.

Knit Seder Plate

2011-11-05T11:25:00.002-04:00

Here it is!!! Chapter 22 - my Knit Seder Plate.

Jewish Threads is now available at all Barnes and Noble booksellers - look for it on the Chanukah display - as well as Amazon and the Jewish Lights website.

The plate is worked in the round, includes a decorative border, Hebrew text, and embroidery.

You can enhance the Knit Seder Plate with your own choice of dishes.

Tahki Cotton Classic Lite Yarn

2011-10-01T14:32:00.004-04:00

So, for the Ruffle Sleeve Pullover, Interweave sent me Tahki Cotton Classic Lite in #4447 (Light Mauve). This is a sport weight (#3) yarn, approximately 6 st/inch.

I had originally created the pattern with GGH Scarlett. Both yarns are 100% mercerized cotton; both have a lovely sheen and lend themselves to elegant knitwear. And both offer good structure and drape once the garment is underway. Tahki Cotton Classic Lite comes in wonderful colors - it's like a candy shop of possibilities.

I enjoyed working with the Cotton Classic Lite. It is comfortable to knit, does not fall apart, and looks smooth in stockinette stitch. I also did not find knots or other bothersome features in the skeins.

For the Ruffle Sleeve Pullover pattern, check out the Premier issue of knit.wear magazine, available for order through Interweave.com or in bookstores.

Ruffle Sleeve Pullover - knit.wear magazine 2011

2011-09-29T11:12:00.007-04:00

Here is it - my Ruffle Sleeve Pullover!!

Knit with Tahki Cotton Classic Lite (100% mercerized cotton) in Light Mauve (#4447), the pullover is has a slight glow. It is the perfect top for Spring and Summer and can go from the office to a lovely night out.

The Premier 2011 issue of Interweave knit.wear is now available through www.interweave.com.

Photo coyright: Joe Hancock 2011

Interweave knit.wear magazine 2011

2011-09-22T09:26:00.006-04:00

Interweave Knit's new special issue - knit.wear - is now available.

See page page 77 for my Ruffle Sleeve Pullover!

Lion Brand Tiger Lily Tank - Free Pattern using Cotton Bamboo

2011-06-10T18:41:00.002-04:00

I received an email from Lion Brand Yarn today. Usually I open these emails, browse, and go away empty-handed. But today..... Lion Brand caught my attention with their new Tiger Lily Tank free pattern. Knit with Lion Brand® LB Collection^®Cotton Bamboo, it is a winner. Beautiful, simple, summery, and classic in shape and design.

Go Lion Brand!

Knit Seder Plate in new book Jewish Threads

2011-06-03T13:09:00.005-04:00

Due out in Fall 2011 is the new book Jewish Threads: A Hand's-On Guide to Stitching Spiritual Intention into Jewish Fabric Crafts by Diana Drew with Robert Grayson. ISBN 978-1580234429

As part of my exploration of the Passover Seder and ways in which I could create a personal connection to the ritual meal and my own Judaism, I knit a round seder plate during 2010. I submitted this to Diana Drew for inclusion in Jewish Threads in September, 2010.

I am very honored that Diana chose to include the Knit Seder Plate in her book, and I am excited to see the many other projects featured.

The book is currently for pre-sale through Jewish Lights Publishing and is available for pre-order through Amazon.com

Description from the Jewish Lights Publishing website:

"Learn how to make your own Jewish fabric crafts with spiritual intention—
a journey of creativity, imagination and inspiration.

This accessible guide for both novice and expert fabric crafters presents thirty handmade Jewish fabric craft projects from around the United States and Israel and the inspiring stories behind them. With projects for the home and the shul, for celebrating the Jewish holidays, and for various milestones in the Jewish life cycle—most fairly easy to make—the book weaves together stories of families, celebration and contemporary rituals surrounding these handmade fabric crafts. These pieces are destined to become treasured heirlooms to be passed from generation to generation. Among the projects showcased in the book are:

• Quilted challah covers

• Matzah cover

• Knit seder plate

• Afikomen envelopes

• Torah mantles

• Tree of Life shulchan cover

• Biblical Purim hand puppets

• Tallitot

• Healing and memorial quilts

• Wall hangings for various holidays"

Knitted Passover Seder Plate Runners now on Judaica Beautiful

2011-04-05T13:49:00.004-04:00

I am happy to announce that my Knitted Passover Seder Plate Runners are now available through all Judaica Beautiful websites! Judaica Beautiful is a Judaica retail webstore that also hosts webstores for over 150 synagogues and other Jewish non-profits.

The Runners available in blue, green, and red varieties, and they are listed under the Tableware section of the Passover offerings. Click here for the Runners listing.

Sweetheart Legwarmers on KnitPicks.com

2011-03-17T21:36:00.004-04:00

Check it out! My latest pattern, Sweetheart Legwarmers, is now on the KnitPicks website. Four styles of easy-to-knit legwarmers for kids. Great for gifts or for your own little ones. Download only $1.99.

I used Stroll Sock Yarn and Imagination Hand-Painted Sock Yarn, both fingering weight, to create the four different styles. All use double-pointed needles, and each set can be made for under $15.00.

Cyber Monday Sale - 15% off

2010-11-29T10:18:00.002-05:00

Cyber Monday 15% off sale at Seaside Knitting on Etsy.

Use coupon code CYBERMONDAY15.

http://seasideknitting.etsy.com/

Latvian Braid Mitts - Interweave Knits Winter 2010

2010-11-05T09:54:00.002-04:00

My second knitting pattern published in a magazine. Woohoo!!!!

Art Nouveau Headband

2010-10-21T11:13:00.005-04:00

I was inspired to create this headband after the Art Nouveau pieces depicted in the images of Czech Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha.

The headband is easy to assemble, and it can be adapted to many different tastes. Through yarn and bead color, feather and ribbon choice, and the selection of a distinctive button, the headband can be personalized and made to accent any wardrobe.

Patterns and Kits are available through Seaside Knitting on Etsy.

An IKEA Passover

2010-06-18T13:44:00.009-04:00

I love IKEA. Ever since I discovered the store in 1993 while living in Norway, I have held a special place in my home decorating for this scandinavian budget outfitter (not to mention the fact that I love their cafe, salmon, confections, and Swedish approach to family shopping)

You can really do so much with only a bit of money at IKEA. Admittedly, the quality is not always what one would want (i.e., particle board), but conversely, the right pieces, chosen wisely, can really bring beauty and sophistication to your abode.

Case in point: creating a unique Passover table.

My Martha Stewart Moment

2010-05-05T14:05:00.004-04:00

Photographing my Passover Seder Plate Runners yesterday was involved, fun, nostalgic, and comforting.

I had roasted the lamb shank the day before. The smell was wonderful. And I didn't skimp on actually making a yummy food item. I salted and seasoned the shank, dusted it with Wondra, and braised it in olive oil and garlic. Then put it in the oven with beef stock for an hour and a half. When it was done, I refrigerated it in preparation for Tuesday morning's photo shoot.

Monday night, my husband asked what the great smell was earlier in the day (he had come home for an afternoon surf). I told him that I had roasted a lamb shank. He laughed - "just for a photo shoot?!" He thought it was wonderful - so authentic. I told him that it had been the last lamb shank that Whole Foods had in their display case, and that it was huge! I had bought it, though, as I need one.

We discussed the use of white vs. brown eggs. I never buy white eggs, so I said I would use a brown one. He liked the idea. I thought it was good, too, as the yarn for the Passover Seder Plate Runners is organic. Continuing the theme.

Then Tuesday morning I boiled the egg (too short, according to my husband, but I don't eat eggs, so I'm not an experienced egg cooker), and made the Charoset from apples, walnuts, cloves, cinnamon, and red wine.

As I prepared the Passover Seder table, the smells and sights took me back to my childhood. The horseradish is really what did it. That, mixed with Charoset and boiled egg, gave me that warm feeling of being with family and sharing a holiday close to my heart. The dining room filled with nostalgia.

Of course, I was not with family while taking photographs of the Seder table I had created. The kids were at school, and my husband was at work. But the process, creation, and sight of the Seder table felt good nonetheless.

I had a bit of a Martha Stewart Moment - super crafty, attention to detail, making something nice for the home, and creating something that others could make fairly easily as well.

Job well done. And fun, too!

I'm currently working on a Matzah Cover and Afikomen Bag. A Challah Cover is in the works. Watch out Martha!

Seaside Knitting Judaica - Passover Seder Plate Runners

2010-05-04T22:54:00.003-04:00

I've been having a wonderful time channeling my knitting energy toward items for the Passover Seder table. I'm currently working on a Matzah Cover and Afikomen bag with Noro Yuzen and KnitPicks Simply Cotton.

And I've just completed Passover Seder Plate Runners. I've put the pattern on Ravelry and Etsy and am also offering knitting knits which include the pattern, all yarn used to make the runners, as well as lining fabric.

Nautilus Mitts - Interweave Knits Summer 2010

2010-04-28T10:31:00.006-04:00

I'm published!!!! And totally ecstatic!

Check out my Nautilus Mitts in the upcoming issue of Interweave Knits (Summer 2010) on newsstands May 11, 2010.

For a sneak peek of project and yarn requirements, you can view the mitts online at Interweave Knits.

Photo: Kathryn Martin

Ides of March sale at Seaside Knitting on Etsy

2010-03-01T11:38:00.005-05:00

Ides of March sale coming.

All ready-to-wear / ready-to-ship items listed on the Seaside Knitting site on Etsy will be 40% off on March 15, 2010.

Mark your calendars.

Prices as marked.

Ravelry patterns available to non-members

2010-02-24T16:42:00.004-05:00

Non-members may now browse designer pages on Ravelry.com. Yeah!!!

Zoe Scheffy (Loume-Cloudberry)

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/zoe-scheffy

Patterns are $5.50

Check out my selection of free patterns as well!

Enjoy....

$35 Partners in Health donation from Seaside Knitting

2010-02-03T11:46:00.004-05:00

As the need in Haiti continues to be so great, I will donate 10% of Seaside Knitting proceeds to Partners in Health from February - December 2010.

30% of all Seaside Knitting January 2010 proceeds have been donated to Partners in Health's "Stand with Haiti" earthquake relief efforts.

January donation total: $35.00

(I rounded the actual amount of $33.24 up)

For more on this Boston-based organization, please visit http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti

Click here to see the Partners in Health receipt for January 2010.

Knitting for Charity

2010-01-23T11:41:00.004-05:00

Do you knit? There are a plethora of wonderful charities that could use your help. From donated knitwear to skeins of yarn to cash donations that benefit both individuals and communities.

For a list of many of these charity organizations, go to http://www.interweaveknits.com/community/charities.asp

Tweed Yarn Suggestions for Ballybrae Fingerless Gloves

2010-01-23T10:57:00.003-05:00

I knit my first pair of Ballybrae Fingerless Gloves with Paton Ballybrae, a rough, but visually stunning yarn. This yarn has long since been discontinued. And I've knit subsequent gloves with Cascade 220. Cascade 220 is great substitution (nice feel, good price, abundant skeins), but this yarn is not a tweed.

If you are looking for a lovely tweed for your next pair of Ballybrae Fingerless Gloves, I suggest the following yarns:

Rowan Scottish Tweed DK. 100% Wool. 20 stitches per 4 inches. You'll need four balls of yarn (50 grams and 123 yards each) and will have left-over yarn. Work pattern as written.

Tahki/Stacy Charles Tweedy Alpaca. 15 stitches per 4 inches. You'll need five to six balls of yarn (50 grams and 81 yards each). This yarn will make thick gloves, and you will need to reduce palm rows. Suggestions for pattern: cast-on 80, complete 36 rows before thumb hole. You will need more yarn if you want to make the gloves longer/bigger.

Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed. 100% Wool. 18 stitches per 4 inches. You'll need three balls of yarn (100 grams and 183 yards each) and will have a good deal of left-over yarn. Work pattern as written.

Berroco Blackstone Tweed. 65% Wool/25% Superkid Mohair/10% Angora Rabbit Hair. 18 stitches per 4 inches. You'll need four balls of yarn (50 grams and 130 yards each) and will have left-over yarn. Work pattern as written.

Plymouth Paca Tweed. 50% Alpaca/ 40% Merino Wool/10% Donegal. 18 stitches per 4 inches. You'll need three balls of yarn (100 grams and 191 yards each) and will have a good deal of left-over yarn. Work pattern as written.

Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran. 85% Wool/15% Angora. 18 stitches per 4 inches. You'll need five balls of yarn (50 grams and 97 yards each) and will have left-over yarn. Work pattern as written.

Alpaca with a Twist Highlander. 45% Baby Alpaca/ 45% Merino Wool/8% Microfiber/2% Viscose. 16 stitches per 4 inches. You'll need three balls of yarn (100 grams and 145 yards each) and will some left-over yarn. This yarn will make thick gloves, and you will need to reduce palm rows. Suggestions for pattern: cast-on 80, complete 36 rows before thumb hole. You will need more yarn if you want to make the gloves longer/bigger.

Donations to Partners in Health

2010-01-16T23:28:00.001-05:00

30% of all Seaside Knitting January 2010 proceeds will be donated to Partners in Health's "Stand with Haiti" earthquake relief efforts.

For more on this Boston area organization, please visit http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti

Seaside Knitting Gift Certificates

2010-01-02T13:40:00.003-05:00

Gift certificates for use in the Seaside Knitting Etsy shop (www.seasideknitting.etsy.com) are now available in $25, $50, $75, and $100 denominations.

Seaside Knitting gift certificates are sent by regular mail either to the gift giver or the chosen recipient and can be used to purchase any item, including shipping charges.

For more information, go to the Gift Certificates section at Seaside Knitting on Etsy.

E-mail Restored

2009-11-24T14:52:00.002-05:00

E-mail for Seaside Knitting has been restored. Thank you for your patience.

E-mail Outage

2009-11-21T22:09:00.000-05:00

11/21/09

Aaron: I am still interested in filling your scarf orders. I will contact you asap once my e-mail is up and running. Thanks for your patience.

Seaside Knitting Customers:

Earthlink has been experiencing an e-mail outage, and I have been without e-mail for several days. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you.

If you need to contact me, please start a conversation with me on Etsy.com (Seaside Knitting) or contact me on Ravelry.com (Luome-Cloudberry).

CanaryKnits Indie Designer Profile 10/30/09

2009-10-30T17:40:00.004-04:00

I am humbled by the wonderful review of my work written by CanaryKnits. Thank you!

View the Indie Designer Profile of Seaside Knitting / Luome-Cloudberry here.

CanaryKnits writes new designer profiles each week, reviewing the work of different indie knitwear designers.

She also has many of her own designs posted. Check out some of her designs:

Swirlette

Arethusa

October Glory

to name a few.

Woolcott and Company becomes Personal Knitter

2009-10-22T14:11:00.002-04:00

I was sad to read on Monday that Woolcott and Company in Harvard Square is closing its doors. Sean and the good folks at the shop did justice to the "local yarn store". I stopped by today to say farewell and inquire about any future projects they have in the works.

Turns out Sean has started the website Personal Knitter (www.personalknitter.com). Check it out.

Best wishes to Sean and his crew.

Ballybrae Fingerless Gloves - Making the thumb hole

2009-10-19T09:53:00.002-04:00

Work the first 10 stitches on the hand portion of the glove, then turn and work back toward the edge.

Repeat this for a total of either 5 or 7 rows (small thumb or larger thumb) worked. You will end at the thumb hole.

Stop working on the 10 stitches and switch to working on the lower/longer part. You can either cut your yarn or just leave a long piece in between the last (10th) stitch and the first stitch on the lower/longer section.

Again, work the lower/longer part for 5 or 7 rows (match your work above the thumb hole). The next row (6 or 8 depending on what you have chosen) will be worked from the elbow toward the hand, and you will join the lower and upper sections together.

The moss stitch pattern should be seamless between the two sections.

Button Tip - why not make your own?!!

2009-10-12T18:07:00.004-04:00

I love buttons as accents on my knitwear. They are simple, sophisticated, and fun! (I sound like a commercial for buttons....) But they really are.

I spent a moment in JoAnn Fabrics today looking at buttons. My usual choice for buttons is leather. And with the 2 for 1 sale the store was having, leather was a steal.

But then I also remembered the do-it-yourself isle. If you can't find the buttons you really want, or want to have unique buttons that perfectly complement the knitting project you have chosen, why not make the buttons yourself. You can get the button kit (parts for 3 or 4 buttons) for under $5 at your local fabric store. Then you can cover them with whatever you'd like - cotton fabric, knit fabric, silk, leather, velvet, lace, etc.

So for the Ballybrae Fingerless Gloves I'm currently knitting for myself with Queensland Kathmandu Aran in a tweedy grey, I'm going to make my own buttons. I'll use a pinstripe silk remnant that I got a long time ago at one of Erika Tanov's studio sales, and I will use 12 do-it-yourself 7/8" buttons.

Pattern Book Reviews: Knitting New Mittens & Gloves

2009-10-09T16:41:00.005-04:00

As we enter Autumn, I've been thinking about knitting a new pair of mittens. As I discussed in my previous post about my beloved and well-worn Latvian mittens, I may need to add a fresh pair to my collection of daily-wear mittens.

One of the books I have been looking to for this project is Knitting New Mittens & Gloves by Robin Melanson. I could create my own pair, but I happen to actually really like a few pair Ms. Melanson has already designed, so....... support my fellow knitwear designer instead.

I have Raynaud's disease (Primary Raynaud's), so need really warm hand- and foot-wear. Fingerless gloves, while beautiful and lovely in Autumn, just don't cut it for me in the Winter months. In addition, gloves are the wrong choice for me too, as they keep the fingers separated and do not allow the same heat sharing space that mittens do. I have found mittens to be the most effective for Raynaud's in tandem with a good hat (I wear fleece lined wool), multiple layers of wool and down clothing, and doctor prescribed medication.

Returning to Knitting New Mittens & Gloves, Robin Melanson offers 28 patterns for gloves with and without fingers, cuffs, and mittens. There are designs using colorwork, cabling, beads, buckle and button accessories, and lace. There are no shortage of cool projects. The two I have been thinking about are Chevalier and Ceangaltas.

The Chevalier mittens in the book are knit with yarn from Garnstudio - Eskimo and Puddel. Both look like they would be very warm. In considering the pattern, I have also looked into using Filatura di Crosa Ricciolo for the cuff and Debbie Bliss Como for the mitten. The gauge is the same as the Garnstudio and the colors are more varied in these two yarns. I've also located the kilt straps on eBay.

As I am a fan of tweed yarns, I've also been considering the Ceangaltas mittens. The pattern calls for Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed, which is a mix of wool, cashmere and silk. Yum! However, these mittens don't look a thick as the Chevalier mittens, so they may be better for me as an occasional pair, rather than everyday mittens. I found the yarn on Jo Sharp's own website. Another place I often look is www.yarn.com (WEBS). However, as last look, they had only a few skeins left of a few colors.

I'm looking forward to knitting one or both of these patterns from Knitting New Mittens & Gloves. I'll post photos and comments when I get going on the projects.

Cheers!

Pinwheel Coasters - Free Knitting Pattern for Home and Hearth

2009-10-08T21:02:00.003-04:00

The latest pattern on the Free Patterns page is for the Pinwheel Coasters. Get the pattern here.

The pattern makes use of short-row shaping and can be used for coasters, placemats, pillows or any other number of home items. Just increase or decrease the number of cast-on stitches in order to adjust the overall size of the finished piece.

I used Patons Silk Bamboo for the sample. The yarn is really soft and has a lovely sheen. Any DK weight (Light 3) or other yarn, for that matter, can be used with the pattern.

Enjoy!

Gentle Breeze Gloves - Free Pattern

2009-10-08T14:44:00.001-04:00

The pattern for the Gentle Breeze Gloves are now free on Ravelry.com, as well as Seaside Knitting Patterns.

My Knitting Niche - My Brand

2009-10-08T14:40:00.002-04:00

So on Monday of this week, I received in the mail a “no, thank you” from Christmas Crafts Co-op, the organization that runs the Harvard Square Holiday Fair.

That got me thinking again. What exactly is the direction that I want my business to go in? What is my brand, and how can I understand it in order to better communicate with more customers?

I love creating patterns, and I love knitting. But I’m not a volume knitter. Nor do I produce a high volume of inexpensive items on a regular basis. I am a beauty broker, and I offer my customers a custom experience when they order my knitwear and patterns.

It is probably a good thing that I was not able to book a spot at the Holiday Fair, as I don’t think I would have been able to produce the volume of items needed to sell to the general public over several days. Many of my patterns take time to knit, like the Winter Solstice Cuffs, for example. And the price point ends up being so high, after materials and labor, that I might have been quite unsuccessful at a crafts fair.

Of late, I’ve been thinking similar thoughts about my Etsy Shop. I need to increase the volume of items listed. I sell patterns there, and with 11 patterns already listed, I feel good about my business in that area. However, I should increase my Ready-to-Wear lot. I bet people would come around a bit more if they saw garments that could be shipped right away, rather than just custom Knit-to-Order listings.

My success on Ravelry.com has been quite good. I have sold many patterns, and quite a few folks have begun projects using my work. As a business woman. this has been very satisfying, and, as a knitter, it has been really nice to share my love of handiwork with others.

The question is really who I am - my brand - and how I can understand and communicate it to my customers in order to increase sales.

I have submitted several patterns to Interweave Knits and Creative Knitting, but none have yet to be accepted. These may or may not be the appropriate venues for my designs; there are many knitting magazines out there that accept submissions. I am not deterred. We’ll see what happens with my winter Knitty submission in the coming months. I think that patterns are my business’ strength, so I will continue to concentrate on getting them out there.

At present, my goal is to publish a book of knitting patterns with a publishing house. That would be fantastic. What I need to do is figure out exactly what my knitting niche is - my brand - so that I can communicate this through a winning proposal!

Latvian Mittens

2009-10-08T14:03:00.008-04:00

This is my favorite pair of mittens. I’ve had them for 15 years, and they have been my constant companion. I’ve repaired them several times, and they are once again in need of fixing.

I bought them on a trip to Helsinki, Finland, in the spring of 1994. At the time, I was an exchange student at the University of Bergen (Universitetet i Bergen) studying Folklore.

During spring break in March, a fellow American and I decided to go to St. Petersburg. We took the train to Oslo, then Stockholm, took a boat to Turku, and on to Helsinki on another train. Our journey was long, but worth it. After a stay in Helsinki, we travelled on to St. Petersburg by train, stopping once to change tracks (as the tracks are different widths on either side of the Finland/Russia border).

While in Helsinki, we visited a small shop that sold hand-knit gloves, hats, scarves, and the like. Unfortunately, I no longer remember the name, but I remember the shop being near the Lutheran Cathedral. I found my mittens there, and at the time, I did not know that the motifs on the mittens were Latvian.

After retuning from my studies in Norway, and while in graduate school at Indiana University, I purchased the book Latvian Mittens by Lizbeth Upitis in 1997. I had become quite an avid knitter by that time, and I kept myself busy through Indiana’s winters knitting big and small projects. While looking through Ms. Upitis’ book, I found a pair of mittens depicted which are almost identical to the ones I purchased in Helsinki: Kurzeme, Liepajas (see picture below). It looks like the knitter who made my mittens omitted a portion of the pattern and used a different cast-on.

In 1997, I also began knitting another pair of mittens in Ms. Upitis’ book: Kurzeme, Susjas (see pictures at the bottom).

As my wonderful mittens have become thread-bare in several places, I have also thought about knitting another pair of them from the instructions in Latvian Mittens. There is a graph for my mittens (109) on page 82. The mittens I bought were knit with cotton or a cotton blend. The colors are vibrant and they have not really pilled at all. I’m thinking to use KnitPicks’ Palette fingering yarn, as they have so many colors, and the yarn is 100% wool and fairly soft. Ms. Upitis recommends using wool yarn. This will be an experiment, but one I look forward to. I’ll post the progress and results as I undertake the project.

Cheers!

More from Bear Brand - Bucilla

2009-10-08T13:43:00.005-04:00

Bear Brand - Bucilla made wonderful 1930s and 1940s fashions as well.

The pamphlet on the left is dedicated to Gloves and Mittens (volume 19, 1944) and the one on the right (volume 310) includes designs for women, men, children, and pets (see bottom):

Pictorial Review - Book of Crocheting and Knitting

2009-10-08T13:24:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite vintage pattern books is the Pictorial Review: Book of Crocheting and Knitting.

The photographs are so elegant and stylized, and I just want to knit and be adorned in their knitwear.

Pictorial Review

Book of Crocheting and Knitting

Number Nine

Folklore and Knitting

2009-10-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

I learned to knit while I was an exchange student at the University of Bergen (Universitetet i Bergen). Little did I know that knitting, like Folklore, would become a pursuit close to my heart.

I came from the University of California, Berkeley, where I was an Anthropology major and has studied with many wonderful professors, namely Alan Dundes and Jim Deetz. In Bergen, I had the fortune of studying with Bente Alver and Torunn Selberg.

After returning from the University of Bergen and finishing my studies at Cal, I went on to graduate school at the Folklore Institute at Indiana University. I owe a professional and personal debt of gratitude to my professors there and in the Nordic countries - Henry Glassie, Beverly Stoltje, Warren Roberts, Dick Bauman, Barbro Klein, Perti Antonen, and Stein Roar Mathisen - for inspiring me toward that which I love.

It was at Indiana University that I solidified my love of the study of traditional handicraft and textile arts. I focused my attention once again on Scandinavia, completing a dissertation that featured the work and words of Sami handicraft artists: Sami Artistry, Identity, and Indigenism in Museums and Markets. I owe that same debt of gratitude to the artists I met in Sapmi - Lars Pirak, Helge Sunna, Lisbeth Kielatis, Sara Walkeapaa, Thomas Magnusson. Their commitment to artistry and personal truth has continued to move and inspire me.

It was definitely through my studies, and also through the moments I spent not studying, that I found my passion in knitting. Knitting is itself a form of folklore. But for me it has become so much more.

2009-10-08T11:34:00.001-04:00

Become a Fan of Seaside Knitting Patterns on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seaside-Knitting-Patterns/155820873144?ref=ts

Box-Pleat Top pattern alteration suggestion from fellow Ravelry knitter

2009-10-08T11:32:00.000-04:00

Fellow Ravelry.com knitter gertrudskein suggested the following alteration for the Box-Pleat Top pattern:

“I did a tubular cast-on on US1 Addis (which are the bigger kid of US1) and two rows of 1x1 rib to prevent curling.”

Thanks gertrudskein for a great suggestion!!

Ballybrae Soft Clutch on Witty Knitty

2009-10-08T11:30:00.000-04:00

Check out a red version of the Ballybrae Soft Clutch on Witty Knitty:

http://reyrae.livejournal.com/18145.html

Corticelli Knitting and Crochet Pattern Books

2009-10-08T11:22:00.002-04:00

Along with pattern books from Bear Brand - Bucilla are those from Corticelli.

This company offered yarns and fabrics, and their pattern books are lovely to look through.

I purchase old pattern books and pamphlets from eBay and other dedicated vintage knitting pattern sites.

Bee’s Knees Cloche - Construction

2009-10-07T21:42:00.006-04:00

I was inspired by the cloches of the 1920s for the Bee’s Knees Cloche. The knitwear of the early 20th century often featured an interesting decoration or accent.

I’m keen on garments that have unexpected features, but that are simple to construct. The Bee’s Knees Cloche is simple to knit - double moss and stockinette stitches - but offers a nice twist (literally) on the band.

The mock bow construction and body shaping are shown below:

Great Book - Make Your Own Shoes by Mary Wales Loomis

2009-10-07T21:40:00.001-04:00

(Originally posted Wednesday, September 23, 2009)

For the last several weeks, I’ve been dreaming of shoes - shoes (and boots) with knitted uppers. Not slippers. Chic footwear with heels!!!! That’s what I want to make.

And today, I received in the mail a great book: “Make Your Own Shoes” by Mary Wales Loomis. She takes you through all of the steps of making your own shoes (as the title suggests). But what really impressed me as I looked through it was her clarity and attention to step-by-step instructions.

I’m really looking forward to getting started on my first pair of shoes. I’m expecting it to be a challenge. But a fun one.

If you want to check out her book, or buy a copy, go to her website

http://www.marywalesloomis.com/

Bear Brand - Bucilla

2009-10-07T19:27:00.006-04:00

Inspiration can come from anywhere. I get mine from old knitting books and pamphlets. One of my favorite brands from the 1920s is Bear Brand - Bucilla.

The two yarn companies merged, and their Blue Books from the early decades of the 20th century are just lovely. They offered womens’, mens’, and children’s fashions, along with gloves, military wear, and accessories.

I don’t read through these books in order to find items to knit. Many of the fashions are too conservative for me today. However the feeling that I get from looking at the pictures and sense of style and elegance that the models exude are what I try to translate into my own designs.

In addition, these volumes remind the knitter that there is more to the art than just sweaters, mittens, hats, and the like. Check out the marksman’s glove in the picture at the bottom.

Box-pleats are featured on this capelet from the Bear Brand Bucilla volume 64 book titled Knit or Crochet Your Own Fashions for Beach - Town - Country

“In the Loop: Contemporary Yarns”

2009-10-07T19:06:00.004-04:00

The opening reception for “In the Loop” September 11th at the Centerville Historical Museum on Cape Cod was great. Four artists were featured - Zoe Scheffy, Sarah Peters, Deborah Malin, and Annie Briggs.

On display are knitted, crocheted, and felted items, and each artist has her own unique take on these traditional forms of handicraft.

Annie Briggs’ work can be seen at AnnieBriggs.etsy.com and AnnieBriggs.com

Sarah Peters’ work can be seen at MoUO.etsy.com and SarahPetersSculpture.com

Deborah Malin’s work can be seen at goodiebag21.etsy.com

And, of course my work is here and at SeasideKnitting.etsy.com

The exhibit will run for two months from September 11 - November 14, 2009.

From left to right:

Zoe Scheffy, L. Michelle Law (curator), Sarah Peters, Deborah Malin, and Annie Briggs.

Knitting Topics - M1 (Make One)

2009-10-07T19:00:00.005-04:00

So, I’m sitting here eating eating a Chipwich (actually the version from Trader Joe’s) and thinking about what I like about knitting. I’m also procrastinating a bit.

M1 (Make One) is a good, solid, basic, stitch for creating increases in your work. I think I made many of them by accident in the beginning when I was first learning to knit. My rows kept increasing in stitch count, and I didn’t understand why. Now, I no longer have that problem, and I rather enjoy using M1 in my work.

M1 (Make One) is achieved by lifting the yarn in between two stitches up and over the left hand needle, and then knitting or purling into that piece of yarn. Doing this one time or infrequently on a row will gently make the work wider. However, using M1 multiple times on a row (i.e., *k1, M1, repeat from * to end) will create a arc, fan, or spiral in your work.

Something to note: M1 is not the same as “knit into the front and back of the next stitch”. This, too, will increase the work and create an arc, fan, or spiral. M1 is made individually from the yarn in between two stitches.

Making flowers are a wonderful way to practice M1 (Make One). See the picture below of my Rose Garden Scarf.

Knitting Topics - Short Rows

2009-10-07T18:56:00.000-04:00

(Originally posted Saturday, September 19, 2009)

Short rows make knitting sexy!

Short rows are rows in which the knitter works part of the stitches on the row, but then turns the work to the other side and goes back in the other direction. Incorporating multiple short rows into your work creates a curve, bend, or fan in the overall fabric shape.

Short rows are often used for the shaping the heel of a sock.

Short rows would also be suited to creating gussets on a skirt bottom edge if the skirt is knitted horizontally (i.e., from left hip all the around front, right hip, and then the back).

Short rows combined with striped colorwork can give the effect of ripples (as with a pebble dropped in water). I used this idea to create my Bathing Beauty Cloche.

I am resolved to use short rows more often in my knitting.

Why I started designing my own patterns

2009-10-07T18:54:00.000-04:00

(Originally posted Friday, September 18, 2009)

I love looking at knitting magazines, pattern books, and browsing though yarn shops!! I get so inspired.

For years, though, I would start projects and knit them for a while, but most would end up frogged or at least hibernating. I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t want to finish what I started. I chalked it up to laziness, or a busy schedule, or skill level.

I never considered that I just didn’t actually like the patterns I chose. I figured that since I had chosen them (purchased the pattern and the yarn and the needles or notions), that I must like the designs. In reality, I think I was just choosing the best of what I saw, not fantastic stuff that really jazzed me.

That’s not to say that I never see a pattern I like. I love many of the patterns in Rowan Magazine and Interweave Knits. But many of the knitting patterns offered out there are just too boxy for my taste. A big sweater is great for a cold evening, but not as a fashion accessory or statement. Knitting is a traditional art, but the art of knitting need not be only traditional.

So..... in 2008 I made the leap. I said to myself, if I don’t like what I find, then I need to make what I like.

I love the knitwear of yesteryear - Bear Brand Bucilla, Minerva, and other pattern books from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. I love beads, ribbons, and pearls. And I love small gauge. I love what knitting does, what it creates just by being itself - short-rows, box pleats, yarn-overs, M1, k2tog, and knitting-in-the-round. I know how to sew, but I don’t want to make knit garments in the same fashion as I make sewn ones, i.e., shaping so much that I get pattern pieces. I like my knitting to flow from cast on to bind off.

Now in 2009, I am so happy that I put my mind to knitting and pattern making. It is such a joy. And rather than putting projects down, I want to pick them up constantly. I have so many great ideas in my head and my hands cannot keep up. But that’s ok; knitting has become something to strive for, to succeed at, and to bring me a smile.

Barefoot Books - Textile and Art Appreciation for Kids!

2009-10-07T14:23:00.000-04:00

(Originally posted Thursday, August 20, 2009)

If you have not already learned about Barefoot Books, you and the children in your life are in for a treat.

Their books are fun and beautifully illustrated, and for those who appreciate textiles, as I do, you will delight in their creative use of hand sewing, quilting, collage, and more.

My children, Nelleke and Magnus, and I really enjoy Barefoot Books not only for the books themselves, but also for the CDs that come with many of them.

“The Fabrics of Fairytale - Stories Spun Far and Wide” is a great example, with both the stories and the images about textiles. The stories are traditional tales from around the world about handicraft and traditional textile arts (spinning, weaving, sewing, etc.)

Clare Beaton also does really lovely work. Some of her titles are:

I Dreamt I was a Dinosaur
One Moose, Twenty Mice
Hidden Hippo
How Loud is a Lion?
There’s a Cow in the Cabbage Patch
How Big is a Pig?
Secret Seahorse
Never Say Boo to a Goose
Elusive Moose
Who are you, Baby Kangaroo?

Silver Screen Capelet

2009-10-07T14:21:00.001-04:00

(Originally posted Friday, July 31, 2009)

Wellfleet provided a wonderful space to create this capelet. A week in Cape Cod - sun, rain, wind, kids, beach, seafood, and rest. Then completed at home to the theme of Poirot and Miss Marple.

I wanted a garment with fur trim at the neck and shoulders - Plymouth Yarns Foxy faux fur did the trick. I’m smitten.

Aegean Sea Shrug

2009-10-07T14:18:00.004-04:00

(Originally posted Monday, May 11, 2009 )

This shrug is the first installment in the “On Holiday” collection from Seaside Knitting Patterns.

I’m thrilled with the result. The shrug was easy to knit - much like a scarf - and uses gathers to create the pattern. It would certainly be suitable to all knitting levels.

Yarn Caddy - think Trader Joe’s!

2009-10-07T14:11:00.003-04:00

(Originally posted Thursday, March 26, 2009)

Although Trader Joe’s sells this six compartment caddy for wine and beer, I’ve found it to be most useful for storing and transporting yarn!!

You can find these little bags in the wine and beer section and are very affordable.

Knitting made easy!

Lizzy Gloves

2009-10-07T14:07:00.003-04:00

(Originally posted Saturday, February 28, 2009)

I’ve been experimenting with linen and gathered stitches on this glove.

When I started this experiment, I held in mind the image of Lizzy and her sisters at Mr. Bingley’s ball - think Kira, curly locks, white gowns, elegance, dancing, laughing, gloves, intrigue, femininity.

I’m using lace weight yarn from Tess’ Designer Yarns in Portland, Maine. I’m holding the yarn double and knitting on 3mm double-pointed needles. The yarn color is eucalyptus.

Enchanted Forest Fingerless Gloves pattern notes

2009-10-07T14:05:00.002-04:00

(originally posted Thursday, February 12, 2009)

On the RH band 1 the leaves point right, whereas on LH they point left.

All leaves that point right are made beginning on the RS and the "yo" are used in conjunction with a following knit stitch. This results in a single "yo" on the needle.

However, on the bands where the leaves point left (i.e., band 2 RH, and bands 1/3 LH), the work needs to start on a WS row and the "yo" are used in conjunction with a following purl stitch.

I wrote "yo twice” here so that when the purl stitch is completed, a proper single "yo" results in the space before the purl stitch. When I tried a single "yo" before a purl stitch, the "yo" dropped as if I'd not attempted it, so that it why the yarn needs to wrap around the needle twice in order to result in a single "yo" in the space before the purl stitch.

The leaves are shaped by beginning with 4 stitches that increase from the several "yo" per row to 6, then 8 then 10, and then begin to decrease to 8, then 6, then 4, etc...

Pattern Book available at Blurb.com

2009-02-05T20:46:00.000-05:00

I've just compiled a volume of my first 9 patterns. The book, sold through Blurb.com, is 94 pages and has complete pattern information and photos, as well as visual tutorials on short row shaping, beading, creating button holes, and more. Check it out!

Knit Picks - great yarn; great prices

2009-02-02T18:22:00.000-05:00

I've been quite happy with the Knit Picks yarn I've purchased lately (www.knitpicks.com). I used Wool of the Andes for my Enchanted Forest Fingerless Gloves and it is strong, the colors are vibrant, and the cost was low. I used three skeins (three different heather colors) for two gloves, and it cost me $2.19 per skein plus shipping - under $10!

I'm looking forward to starting a new project with the Shadow yarn I just bought. It is very soft, lace weight, wool yarn. Feelin' inspired.....

Enchanted Forest Fingerless Gloves featured on Lime & Violet blog!

2009-02-02T12:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to Lime & Violet for featuring my Enchanted Forest Fingerless Gloves on their blog The Daily Chum! Check out the other fabulous knitwear and patterns discussed there.

Box-Pleat Clutch - Double Clasp

2009-01-27T12:13:00.000-05:00

I finished the little red clutch. Kind of an involved project, as I had not made a purse before with a metal frame.

I first knit the beaded bag. Then I sewed the pleated inner silk sections. Next I sewed the knitted bag and silk sections to one another. Finally, I used textile glue to attach the bag to the frame.

Enchanted Forest Fingerless Gloves

2009-01-27T10:33:00.000-05:00

I love the falling leaf edging, but I'd only seen it in one direction. So I endeavored to create it in the other direction as well. After looking at it, and dreaming of autumn colors, I came up with this glove. The thumb hole is created by leaving the top layer of leaves partially open.

Rose Garden Scarf

2009-01-06T13:15:00.000-05:00

I've decided it will be a scarf. It's a bit too big to be a stole, and it drapes nicely as a scarf. The strands are braided together and then I sewed the flowers to one another with regular sewing thread. Very satisfied!

Rose Garden Flowers

2009-01-03T20:41:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure yet whether I will fashion these flowers into a lariat, scarf, wrap, or stole (it's fun having to make these kind of decisions in life, rather than the ordinary ones).

I've begun with knitting a variety of flowers from Nicky Epstein's "Knitted Flowers" (Sixth & Spring Books, 2006). As I wanted to mainly knit roses, I have tried the patterns for the Scallop Rose, Cabbage Rose, Florets, and Basic Flowers. The yarns are Lions Brand Homespun, Super Saver Cot'n Blend, and Bernat Felting yarn. Here are a few photos:

Box-Pleat Clutch - Double Clasp

2009-01-03T20:30:00.000-05:00

Purses are fun! ... and a beaded evening bag is a project I've long thought about. So, using my box-pleat design, I've fashioned a little clutch. I really like the look of 1920s and 1930s fashion, and I thought that using a double clasp frame would conjure up the feel of days gone by. I'm going to use textile glue to attach the frame. Work in progress.....

Ballybrae Fingerless Gloves

2008-12-11T11:51:00.000-05:00

These are thick, a bit rough, and certainly warm. I've put them on http://seasideknitting.etsy.com

Box-Pleat Top - Ivory

2008-12-11T11:46:00.000-05:00

I just finished the ivory version. I knitted it in the round, and I used faceted, glass roller beads with a gold color on the inside. Here's the result:

Box-Pleat Top - Pattern CORRECTION

2008-11-19T14:02:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all who have purchased my Box-Pleat Top pattern!!!

One correction: when you reach the row where you will form the box pleats, please note the the pattern instructions count the edge stitch twice. Therefore the pattern should correctly read, "edge stitch, knit the first 9 (10) 11 (12) sts and then....."

Sorry for any headaches this may have caused.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for the coming year!

Box-Pleat Top - Knitting in the Round

2008-10-28T08:51:00.000-04:00

So, the Box-Pleat Top pattern is easily converted to knit in the round.

Simply omit the "edge stitch" on either side of both the front and back sides when you cast-on (i.e., size large would have 248 cast on stitches, rather than 252). The "edge stitch" provides the selvedge edge that you would use when sewing a side seam. If you've knit the garment in the round, you won't need the extra stitches.

After casting on the proper number of stitches, be mindful not to twist the stitches before attaching end-to-end for knitting in the round.

Knit Row 1 as per the pattern instructions. However, Row 2 is now a "knit" row, rather than a "purl" row, and you just continue knitting around in the circle you have started.

Follow the pattern instructions for front and back simultaneously. Once you reach the bottom of the arm opening, you will need to stop knitting in the round, add the edge stitches back in, and follow the pattern instructions for front and back separately. You can either leave stitches on the circular needle while not working on them, or you can move them to another circular needle for safe keeping while you finish knitting the first side.

Winter Solstice Cuffs - Construction

2008-10-07T12:17:00.000-04:00

The Winter Solstice Cuffs are knit conventionally (RS, WS) for the lace and beading section and are then knitted in the round on double-pointed needles for the stockinette stitch portion. A crochet edging is added to the bound off edge, and a ribbon is woven through the last row of lace holes.

The initial edging is a bit tricky, and I needed to try it several times before I got it right. The stitches naturally decrease from the original cast on count as you work the first several rows.

Winter Solstice Cuffs - Beading

2008-09-15T19:52:00.000-04:00

So for the Winter Solstice Cuffs design, I've decided to pre-bead the yarn. I've taken 2mm freshwater pearls and used a large eye beading needle (Deadalon Collapsible Eye Needle from AC Moore) to thread the Ornaghi Filati Superkid yarn.

The Box-Pleat Top is finished!!

2008-09-06T19:09:00.000-04:00

... and I'm thrilled! It turned out just the way I wanted. Of course I had to knit and re-knit several sections to get things just right. But in the end, I'm a happy camper. The top is knitted with Stacy Charles Siam yarn. Here are some photos:

Bathing Beauty Cloche - Short Row Shaping

2008-08-22T23:12:00.000-04:00

I've used short row shaping to create the brim shape and open ripple design of the navy blue lines.

In order to reduce the separation of stitches on short rows, the following technique is used:

1. After turning the work in order to knit in the other direction, slip one stitch from the right hand needle to the left hand needle.

2. Wrap yarn around to the back.

3. Place slipped stitch back onto the right hand needle.

Box-Pleat Top - Beading

2008-08-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

I've been working with beads on the Box-Pleat Top, using 6x4 Czech Glass Faceted Large Hole Roller Beads that I bought at a local bead store. Knitting with beads is fun and easy once you get started. When knitting with beads, you can either string all of the beads on the yarn before you start your project, or you can add the beads to the yarn as you go using a crochet hook. For the Box-Pleat Top, I have employed the second method.

Here are some photographs of the process I've used for placing beads on the Box-Pleat Top:

1) place one bead on a crochet hook and use the crochet hook to remove one loop on the left hand needle.

2) slide the bead from the crochet hook onto the loop.

3) replace the loop onto the left hand needle.

4) knit the loop.